WSU Study Shows People with More Economic Worry are Less Likely to Follow COVID-19 Protocols

A new study out of Washington State University says employees struggling with financial insecurity are less likely to observe coronavirus safety guidelines.

Researchers at the school studied more than 700 people across 43 states and found that in areas where unemployment benefits were lower, workers were more likely to ignore COVID restrictions.

The study found a 7% drop in compliance with safety guidelines among workers who were worried about their jobs.

Tahira Probst, a WSU psychology professor and lead author in the study says, "The extent to which economic stressors will impact that behavior is in part a function of where we live. Having a fall back, a strong safety net to catch you, seemed to help mitigate the risk factors of job insecurity that was otherwise associated with less adherence to the guidelines."